Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow ™

Today I am delighted to connect with Dr. Bryce Appelbaum! He is a pioneer in neuro-optometry and is passionate about unlocking life’s potential through vision. He is an owner and managing doctor at Appelbaum Vision and practices in the Bethesda and Annapolis, Maryland areas.Our brain uses 48-50% of its physiology just for us to be able to see, and there is a very complex interrelationship between the eyes and the brain.In this episode, Dr. Appelbaum and I dive into his background in neuro-optometry and discuss how his family influenced his career trajectory. We get into eye physiology and the differences between vision and sight and explain how eye problems are also brain problems specific to rewiring our brain and processing. We discuss the impact of nutrition on eye health, foods to support vision and eye health, and how electronics impact myopia. We also talk about ways to address screen limits and visual hygiene, traumatic brain injuries, and more.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Appelbaum explains how his passion for eye and vision health began in the first grade and how he helps people turn their visual weaknesses into strengths. Some of the basics of eye physiology. The interrelationship between our eyes and our brains. Why are more vision problems emerging now than ever before- particularly in the younger generations? What is the difference between eyesight and vision? How do our eyes feed information to the rest of our body? Doing vision therapy versus getting stronger prescription lenses as we age. How vision problems can lead to or be misdiagnosed as ADD, ADHD, or dyslexia.  How does electronic use impact eye health? How to practice 20-20-20 for visual hygiene. Dr. Appelbaum shares some recommendations for managing screen time. The interrelationship between nutrition, metabolic health, and eye health. Some dietary guidelines for the brain injury population. Dr. Appelbaum dives into depth perception. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s websiteConnect with Dr. Bryce AppelbaumOn the Appelbaum Vision website ConcussionClearScreenFit Use code CYNTHIA10On InstagramGo to the College of Optometrists in Vision Development website to find a doctor board-certified in vision therapy close to where you live.

I am honored to have Dr. Stephen Hussey joining me today. He is a chiropractic doctor with an interest in and a methodology related to cardiovascular disease. Dr. Hussey suffered from a large STEMI, a type of myocardial infarction or heart attack, and he has been diabetic since childhood. In this episode, we dive into his background and the open-minded curiosity with which he views the world. We talk about statistics related to cardiovascular disease, mitochondrial dysfunction, the impact of Ancel Keys and his research, how cholesterol and statins work in the body, and the causes of heart attacks. We also discuss ways to navigate cardiovascular health proactively and the impact of fasting.I hope you enjoy listening to our discussion as much as I did recording it! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Hussey shares his background and his journey to figuring out how to manage the various physical conditions he suffered from since childhood. Why Dr. Hussey believes heart disease is not just about diet.  The vast number of Americans currently affected by vascular disorders proves that a different and better treatment approach is required. Dr. Hussey discusses the frustration he experienced trying to navigate conversations with traditionally-trained providers. What may prevent western physicians and practitioners from investigating other effective treatment options? What causes mitochondrial dysfunction? Dr. Hussey explains the metabolic theory of cancer. Why is cancer of the heart so rare? How Ancel Keys profoundly impacted American nutritional guidelines and the health of the American population. The benefits of cholesterol and LDL, and the problem with statins. What causes heart attacks? Dr. Hussey shares his take on meal frequency and snacking and how that relates to heart health. Bio:Dr. Stephen Hussey MS, DC, is a Chiropractor and Functional Medicine practitioner. He attained his Doctorate of Chiropractic and a Master's in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States in Portland, OR. He is a health coach, speaker, and the author of two books on health; The Health Evolution: Why Understanding Evolution is the Key to Vibrant Health and Understanding The Heart: Surprising Insights Into The Evolutionary Origins Of Heart Disease - And Why It Matters. Dr. Hussey guides clients from around the world back to health using the latest research and health-attaining strategies. In his downtime, he likes to be outdoors, play sports, read, write, and travel. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dr. Stephen HusseyOn his websiteOn Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedInDr. Hussey’s book, Understanding the Heart, is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the publisher’s website.

I am excited to connect with one of my favorite neuroscience experts today! Louisa Nicola is at the intersection of neuroscience and athleticism. She helps to bring a fresh understanding of what it takes to achieve peak performance through science-based tools and methods. She is also the host of The Neuro Experience podcast, which focuses on brain health, neuroscience, longevity, and athletics.  Louisa knows how to take complicated subjects related to brain physiology and hormones and explain them so that people can fully understand and appreciate them. In this episode, she and I dive into her background. We discuss her three pillars for peak performance, alcohol, and how sleep impacts the glymphatic system. We get into strategies for better sleep, the perimenopausal brain, how chronobiology impacts sleep, how to address jet lag, and how exercise improves brain performance and health. We also discuss the best foods and supplements for brain health and how creatine enhances performance.  I hope you enjoy listening to today’s conversation as much as I did recording it!  IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How an accident shifted the trajectory of Louisa’s life.  Louisa unpacks the various stages of sleep and explains why sleep is so important. How sleep impacts the glymphatic system. Some common characteristics of perimenopause. Some simple ways to aid the penetration of naturally secreted hormones into the brain.  How blood pressure fluctuations impact the brain. What is jet lag, and how can we combat it? How does alcohol affect the brain? Louisa explains cardiac remodeling. The value of different types of exercise for brain health. The difference between physical activity and exercise. How our food choices impact our brain health. How to mitigate the effects of traumatic brain injuries. How does creatine monohydrate improve brain performance? Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X ⁠ ⁠Instagram ⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠  Connect with Louisa Nicola On X and ⁠Instagram⁠  ⁠The Neuro Experience Podcast⁠ Book mentioned ⁠The XX Brain⁠ by Dr. Lisa Mosconi

Today, I am honored to connect with Kevin Ellis, the Bone Coach.Kevin Ellis, better known as Bone Coach™, is a certified Integrative Nutrition health coach, podcaster, Youtuber, bone health advocate, and the founder of BoneCoach.com. After an osteoporosis diagnosis in his early 30s, he realized just how challenging it can be for the average person to make sense of what needs to be done to improve and how to move forward confidently with a stronger bone plan.So many women struggle with osteopenia and osteoporosis throughout their lifetimes. In this episode, Kevin and I dive into his background and interest in osteoporosis and celiac disease. We discuss bone health, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and the various contributors to bone health. We get into conventional treatments for osteoporosis, explain why they are problematic, and discuss proactive ways to address osteoporosis. We also speak about the role of the gut microbiome in bone health, a study on how blood pressure accelerates bone aging, and the impact of insulin resistance. I hope you will enjoy listening to today’s discussion as much as I did recording it!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Kevin talks about his background and explains how he developed an interest in bone physiology and bone coaching. How osteopenia differs from osteoporosis. How to find out if you have osteoporosis. How to find out if you are actively losing bone. Some common lifestyle factors that negatively impact bone health. Causes of bone loss and osteoporosis in men and younger women. How sugar damages bone. Problems with the conventional approach to osteopenia and osteoporosis. The importance of addressing osteoporosis proactively. Why we should always look at diet and nutrition before considering supplements.  How melatonin promotes bone health. How chronic stress negatively impacts bone health. The connection between gut health and bone health. Kevin shares his top three recommendations for bone health. Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s website Connect with Kevin EllisOn his websiteOn Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedInKevin’s free Stronger Bones Masterclass 

Today I am honored to connect with my friend and colleague, Dr. Joan Rosenberg! She is a highly-regarded psychologist, master clinician, trainer, consultant, cutting-edge psychologist, and the author of the book 90 Seconds to a Life You Love.Joan is a dear friend who is absolutely brilliant and very wise! She has a broad range of experience, both as a clinician and as a professor. As a clinical psychologist, she is known for her concept of working through uncomfortable feelings. In this episode, we dive into how our childhoods impact our ability to express ourselves and the understanding that if we have the capacity to think, we can change. We discuss uncomfortable feelings, triggers, awareness, and reframing. We speak about experiences versus disconnection, resilience, and the benefits of facing our pain. We also get into the goals of communication, incongruent thoughts and actions, growth, generosity, compliments, and humility. This conversation is one of my recent favorites! I hope you will love it, too!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How our capacity to think allows us to learn new things and change, regulate our feelings and emotions, and express what we are experiencing. How our childhood impacts our ability to express ourselves and talk about our feelings. Why do we need to develop the skills to express ourselves and regulate our emotions? Why do we want to distract ourselves from unpleasant feelings? How do feelings relate to our experience of aliveness? We have the capacity to shift and change throughout our lifetime. Dr. Joan discusses eight unpleasant feeling states to which most of us can relate. How Dr. Joan helps her patients reframe vulnerability. What helps us build confidence and resilience? What can we do to improve our communication skills? How to deal with incongruence between words and behavior. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dr. Joan Rosenberg On her website On Instagram Find Dr. Joan under Dr. Joan Rosenberg on social media Dr. Joan’s Book90 Seconds to a Life You Love

I have the honor of connecting with Dr. Jeffry Gerber today! He is a board-certified family physician, speaker, author, conference organizer, husband, father, and owner of a medical practice in Colorado, where he is known as “Denver’s Diet Doctor”. He is very savvy regarding low-carb, high-fat, ancestral health, paleo, primal, intermittent fasting, and whole foods. He gets frustrated with spiraling healthcare costs related to treating conditions like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and others.Dr. Gerber has been a doctor since 1990. Even though many of his family members were overweight, he knew very little about nutrition for the first ten years and struggled with his patients not having any results. He has always been an independent thinker. So when some of his patients told him they intended to try non-standard diets, like the Atkins or the Suzanne Somers Diet, he supported them. Then he saw that they lost weight, and their metabolic markers improved.In this episode, he and I dive into his background, how he became interested in looking at metabolic health, the impact of our modern-day lifestyles, and the toxic food environment. We speak about deprivation versus mindfulness, common challenges in the current medical system, the role of mitochondria in longevity, and the impact of altitude on our metabolism, carbohydrates, and other macros. We also discuss perimenopause, menopause, andropause, weight loss resistance, the differences between insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance, therapeutic fasting, deep prescribing, and assessing cardiovascular risk. Stay tuned for more!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Dr. Gerber evolved from running a family practice to becoming Denver’s Diet Doctor. Dr. Gerber dives into our toxic food environment and explains where things went wrong. The problem with the traditional approach to nutrition. What does shifting the focus from deprivation to mindfulness mean? Why keeping things simple is the best way to eat. Why do we need to avoid fructose and seed oils? How the mitochondria work. What can we do to avoid oxidative stress and improve our mitochondrial health? How does altitude affect metabolism? Some of the common metabolic challenges Dr. Gerber sees in his middle-aged patients. The difference between insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance. Dr. Gerber shares his perspective on heart health. Bio:Dr. Jeffry N. Gerber, MD, FAAFP is a board-certified family physician, speaker, author, conference organizer, husband, father, and owner of South Suburban Family Medicine in Littleton, Colorado, where he is known as “Denver’s Diet Doctor”. He has been providing personalized healthcare since 1990 and continues that tradition with an emphasis on longevity, wellness, and prevention.Nutrition and its effects on health are areas of interest for Dr. Gerber. Frustrated with spiraling healthcare costs related to the treatment of conditions like overweight, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and heart disease just to name a few, Dr. Gerber has been focusing on prevention and treatment programs using low-carb high fat (LCHF), Ancestral, Paleo, Primal, Intermittent Fasting and Whole Foods diets along with a healthy lifestyle to treat and prevent these chronic conditions. Redefining healthy nutrition is a goal. Dr. Gerber speaks frequently about these important topics to patients, the community, and other healthcare professionals. Whether connecting one-on-one or with much larger audiences his passion and legacy is nutrition education.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Dr. Jeffry Gerber Low Carb Conferences website Denver's Diet Doctor website On Facebook or @LowCarbConferences (Group) Instagram: @JeffryGerberMD or @LowCarbConferences  

I have the honor of reconnecting with Dr. Mindy Pelz today. She was with me before on podcasts 113 and 184.Dr. Mindy Pelz, D.C is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and nutrition and functional health expert who has spent over two decades helping thousands of people successfully reclaim their health. She is a recognized leader in the alternative health field and a pioneer in the fasting movement, teaching the principles of a fasting lifestyle, diet variation, detox, hormones, and more. Her popular YouTube channel (which just celebrated 23 million lifetime views) regularly updates followers on the latest science-backed tools and techniques to help them reset their health. She is the host of one of the leading science podcasts, The Resetter Podcast, and the author of three best-selling books; The Menopause Reset, The Reset Factor, and The Reset Kitchen, and her current book published with Hay House, Fast Like a Girl, is available for pre-order. Dr. Mindy has appeared on national shows like Extra TV and The Doctors and has been featured in Muscle & Fitness, Well + Good, SHEknows, Healthline, and more. For this episode, I have a new format of ask me anything questions and answers. Dr. Mindy and I answer many of the questions women have sent in about nutrition, navigating fasting, electrolytes, and estrogen and progesterone-promoting foods. We discuss perimenopause, PMDD and hormonal fluctuations, carbohydrates, hormesis, the parasympathetic nervous system, and magnesium. We get into the impact of fasting on the liver, changes in our cycle, and the need for liver and gallbladder support. We also answer several questions about troubleshooting and talk about Dr. Mindy’s new book, Fast Like a Girl. I hope you enjoy our new format and listening to today’s discussion with Dr. Mindy Pelz.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Should fermented foods (sauerkraut) be eaten first or at the end of a meal? When indulging in something sweet from time to time, is it better to use organic sugar or honey than agave? Or is pure stevia preferable? Which foods are beneficial for progesterone production? Is there a way to prevent cravings for salty or sweet snacks after dinner? Some tips to make losing five to ten pounds a bit easier. Are products with zero carbs and zero sugars suitable for fasting if they have a sweet taste? Some simple ways to relieve the symptoms of PMDD (Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder). When is the best time for a perimenopausal woman who suffers from anxiety and irritability before getting her period to use progesterone cream? Should a woman in perimenopause keep a twelve-hour fasting window until her period starts, even when her cycle is unpredictable? What happens if she skips a cycle? Dr. Mindy and I share our opinions on Ozempic (Semaglutide). What nutritional information should people look at if they have high cholesterol that cannot be explained? How can lifestyle changes allow people to avoid having to take statins? What should you do if you become fatigued when fasting? What does it mean if you start losing your hair when you fast? Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on TwitterInstagramLinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dr. Mindy Pelz On her website Instagram YouTube Facebook Get your copy of Dr. Mindy Pelz’s new book, Fast Like a Girl. Previous Episodes Mentioned:Episode 113- How to Survive the Ups and Downs of MenopauseEpisode 184 – Hormonal Symptoms Don’t Have To Be a Result of Aging

I am delighted to connect with Shawn Stevenson for the first show of 2023! Shawn is the host of the prolific Model Health Show. He is also a Nutritional Scientist, an author, and a father.Shawn was a top-tier athlete when he was in high school. At fifteen, his hip broke while running a 200-meter time trial. He had some standard of care, but nobody ever asked how an apparently healthy kid broke his hip while running. Two years later, he went to college. Soon after that, he got diagnosed with degenerative disc disease.   In this episode, we get into how his background influenced his career path. We discuss fast food economies, ultra-processed food, the impact of subsidized food on our health, the gut microbiome, and the danger of seed oils. We dive into metabolic switching, the vagus nerve, and how it impacts food absorption and leaky gut. We talk about brain health and how the brain gets influenced by the food we eat, the interrelationship between the brain and metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and the impact of inflammation on the brain. We also speak about the importance of hydration and electrolytes, and more.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Shawn developed his passion for talking about nutrition and synthesizing research and got to where he is today. How changing his thinking changed his life. What are ultra-processed foods? How ultra-processed foods impact the health of the average American citizen. Why so many Americans are obese today. Why we need to understand the connection between the brain and the gut. What is the relationship between our immune system and our gut microbiome? An unusual benefit of extra-virgin olive oil. What can you do to have a healthier brain? The critical importance of high-quality sodium for cognitive function. Why Omega-3s are vital for our brains. Bio:Shawn Stevenson is the author of the USA Today National bestseller Eat Smarter, and the international bestselling book Sleep Smarter. He’s also the creator of The Model Health Show, featured as the number #1 health podcast in the U.S. with millions of listener downloads each year. A graduate of the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Shawn studied business, biology, and nutritional science and became the cofounder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance. Shawn has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, The New York Times, Muscle & Fitness, ABC News, ESPN, and many other major media outlets.Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s website Connect with Shawn StevensonOn his websiteThe Model Health ShowOn Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TwitterShawn’s books are available on Amazon or at bookstores.

I’m delighted to reconnect with Dr. Eric Balcavage today! He is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen, a functional medicine clinic in Pennsylvania. He is also a nationally recognized speaker and educator on various health-related topics, including thyroid physiology, detoxification, methylation, and chronic illness.Dr. Eric Balcavage joins me for the third time today to discuss his new book, The Thyroid Debacle, co-authored with Dr. Kelly Halderman. We dive into his motivation for writing his book, discuss cellular hypothyroidism and its triggers, and get into the impact of chronic low-grade inflammation on our mitochondrial health. We go into why hypothyroidism is a spectrum, the role of bile in thyroid functioning, and the impact of hypothyroidism on our sex hormones. We also discuss the incidence of Hashimoto’s, why iodine is so controversial, labs we want to look at more closely with thyroid issues, and supplements and nutrition.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Eric explains why clinicians are failing their patients concerning thyroid management and diagnosis. A better clinical approach to thyroid issues. Dr. Eric unpacks cellular hypothyroidism. Why weight loss is a lot more complicated than simply counting calories and fasting. What bile does, apart from breaking down and emulsifying fat. Problems that might occur after having the gallbladder removed. The impact of hypothyroidism on the sex hormones. How a broader approach could ultimately result in more effective treatment strategies. Dr. Eric shares his view on what triggers the development of goiters.  Is iodine supplementation necessary? Dr. Eric shares his thoughts on nutrition for thyroid health. The best supplements for reducing inflammation. BioDr. Eric Balcavage is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen, a functional medicine clinic in Chadds Ford, PA. He is a nationally recognized speaker and educator on various health-related topics including thyroid physiology, bile physiology, detoxification, oxidative stress, methylation, and chronic illness. Dr. Balcavage is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (C.N.S.), a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, along with being a licensed Chiropractor in Pennsylvania. Dr. Balcavage is the co-host of the Thyroid Answers Podcast. The podcast focuses on answering the pressing questions those suffering from chronic hypothyroid symptoms can’t get answered elsewhere. You can find his educational Thyroid Thursday videos on Vimeo and Youtube.Dr. Balcavage has made it his mission to change the way medicine looks at hypothyroidism. He is the co-author of the book, The Thyroid Debacle. The book, co-written by Dr. Kelly Halderman, addresses the problems with current allopathic and functional medicine approaches to hypothyroidism as well as the solutions to restoring thyroid physiology.Connect with Cynthia ThurlowFollow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInCheck out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dr. Eric BalcavageOn his websiteOn InstagramDr. Balcavage’s book, The Thyroid Debacle, is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Balboa Press, or online.Listen to episodes 105 and 166 with Dr. Eric Balcavage

Today I have the honor of connecting with the renowned speaker and bestselling author Dr. Gabor Maté! Dr. Maté is highly sought-after for his expertise on various topics, including addiction, trauma, stress, and childhood development. He recently wrote a New York Times bestselling book, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture.For many of us, the concept of trauma is controversial and largely misunderstood. In today’s discussion with Dr. Maté, I am transparent, honest, and open about how I grew up and how my childhood experiences have influenced me throughout my lifetime. We get into the definition of trauma, why trauma is so widespread and misunderstood, the differences between habit and addiction, the impact of a toxic culture and materialism, and the epidemic of loneliness. We discuss the impact of the pandemic, a loss of control, why women are at greater risk of developing autoimmune disorders, and the impact of adverse childhood events. We also speak about what negatively impacts healthy childhood development, multigenerational trauma, and healing through compassionate inquiry.  I hope you will find great value in listening to today’s thought-provoking and insightful podcast!IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Maté discusses and defines trauma. The difference between a habit and an addiction. How do various addictions ( drugs, work, shopping, attention, etc.) differ? How the loneliness and isolation from childhood trauma get carried into adult life and could lead to illness. How the social isolation of the pandemic brought some families closer together and drove others further apart. How materialism ties into trauma, addiction, and the current epidemic of loneliness. How many of the problems clinicians deal with today result from trauma and disconnection What studies show about women and autoimmune diseases. Why do we need to acknowledge the impact of the disparity within our modern-day materialist culture? What can we do to ensure that our young children develop in a healthy way? Healing from multigenerational trauma. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow• Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn• Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dr. Gabor Maté On his website On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube  Dr. Maté’s book, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture, and all his other books are available online and from most bookstores.Books mentioned:Hold Onto Your Kids by Dr. Gabor Maté and Gordon NeufeldDr. Maté’s book, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture, is available from most bookstores